Charles Paddock Zoo

11 June 2015

Tiger Statue

The Charles Paddock Zoo in Atascadero, California was established in 1955 by Charles Paddock, a county park ranger who nursed wild animals back to health. Over time the zoo was moved from the animal shelter to its present site: 5 park-like acres within Atascadero Lake Park. In 1997, while living in Santa Maria about 45 miles south, I visited the site. Some of the pictures taken then are shown here. Please keep in mind that the animals you see here are likely long gone with others taking their place in more modern enclosures. If you want to visit…

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